The Kirksville Aquatic Center could soon see a reduction in hours after a unanimous vote to make the cuts by the city’s Lakes, Parks and Recreation Commission.

Tuesday’s LPRC meeting was highlighted by the commission making a recommendation to the City Council that the Aquatic Center’s pools open for their afternoon sessions at 1 p.m., one hour later than their current noon opening times.

The recommendation was made after the City Council asked the commission to examine the center’s budget and, if possible, suggest plans to reduce costs. It will now be up to the Council to take action on the recommendation at a future meeting.

The change to operating hours is estimated to save $9,300 annually. Commission members said citizen feedback they’d received on various options was largely in favor of cutting hours, with LPRC member Hank Janssen describing the reaction as “indifferent.”

LPRC Chairperson Marsha Jones, who joined the meeting via telephone, said the move would demonstrate “fiscal responsibility” while also improving services, noting she believed the center’s staff would be allowed more time to clean the facility.

Another option that had been explored as an alternative, or something to be combined with cutting hours, was closing the facility on Mondays. That would have saved $14,300 annually, but the suggestion was met with negative public feedback.

“This seems like a reasonable step to me - very glad to hear we didn’t lose Monday hours entirely,” said Paula Cochran, a community member and regular swimmer at the pool.

Assistant City Manager Melanie Smith said because the Council did not ask the LPRC to cut a specific amount, that option did not appear necessary. But, she noted, that could change.

“I think it’s justifiable if we need to save that money. If we need to save that much money to make our budget balance, then I think you have to do what you have to do. You have to either cut your costs, or raise your fees,” Smith said.

Cochran said she believes some members might be willing to take on added costs if it came to that.

“I still think some folks might be willing to donate extra ‘punches’ once a week or more if the idea was presented to them,” Cochran said.

The Aquatic Center is currently open in the winter months from 6 - 9 a.m. Monday through Friday and noon - 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

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Operating hours in the summer are 6 - 9 a.m. for the indoor pool on Monday through Friday, noon - 7 p.m. for the indoor and outdoor pools Monday through Saturday, and Sunday for both pools from 1 - 5 p.m.

The LPRC had considered extending operating hours to 7 p.m. Sundays, at a cost of $2,100 per year, to offset other reduced hours, but did not make that recommendation due to low attendance during regular Sunday hours.

The Aquatic Center budget is heavily subsidized by the City’s general revenue fund. The pool annually brings in about $135,000 in revenue, while expenses for 2013 are estimated at $295,000.